2009 Hermitage Les Miaux

The 2009 Hermitage Le Miaux red comes primarily from Meal and Viognet. Although somewhat closed, it reveals notions of beef blood and bay leaves in addition to a tightly knit, elegant style with impressive concentration and good weight and richness. However, it is not one of the stars of the vintage in Hermitage. In fact, I preferred the following offerings from less prestigious appellations more than the 2009 Hermitage Le Miaux. If the turn around in quality of the Paul Jaboulet-Aine wines is the biggest good news story of qualitative improvement in the northern Rhone, what Michel Chapoutier has accomplished with Ferraton is a close second. This is definitely a name to be taken seriously, as Chapoutier has expanded the portfolio and continues to upgrade the quality across the board. Ferraton’s 2009s and 2010s are the finest wines made to date. There appears to be three levels of quality now being produced, beginning with the generic bottlings, to the single vineyard (or lieu-dit) offerings, followed by the top of the line, more expensive, limited production efforts called selections parcellaires. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994

Inky purple. Pungent, expansive aromas of blackberry, candied violet, Indian spices and licorice. Lush and penetrating, with sweet dark fruit flavors and a sneaky note of minerality that adds lift and clarity. The floral and spice notes resonate on a very long, smoky finish, which also features a touch of cracked pepper.